Council countback

By Lia Bichel
FORMER Edrington Ward councillor Daniel Mulino’s shoes will be filled in December, with the new councillor determined by a countback of votes.
Daniel Mulino made a shock exit from the Casey Council last week, to take on a new role as adviser on the financial service sector for federal Financial Services Minister Bill Shorten.
The resignation came as a shock to fellow councillors, who wished him the best of luck for the future.
“On behalf of the council, I would like to thank Cr Mulino for his valuable contribution to the Casey community over the past two years and wish him all the best in his future endeavours,” City of Casey acting mayor Shar Balmes said.
The Victorian Electoral Commission said the Edrington Ward councillor position would be filled through a countback of votes from the November 2008 general election, at 11am on Monday 20 December.
“Countbacks are used to fill vacancies in multi-councillor wards and unsubdivided municipalities if a councillor resigns or is ineligible to hold office,” Victorian Electoral Commission returning officer David Triplow said.
“Those candidates who were unsuccessful at the general election and are still eligible to be elected will be included in the countback.”
Former Edrington Ward councillor Mick Morland said he did not believe he was in the running to fill Cr Mulino’s shoes but had not ruled out rejoining the council.
“I sat on it for 17-and-a-half years,” he said. “What happens happens. If they ring me up, I would consider it – but I will wait for the phone call to come first.”
The countback will take place at the City of Casey Council Chambers, Magid Drive, Narre Warren. For details, contact the Victorian Electoral Commission on 9299 0791.